Saturday, February 7; 12-9pm
Intuition Ale Works
Jacksonville FL
Limited Release of the Underdark...Imperial Stout Aged in Oak Barrels. Worthy of a whole-day festival. Shuttin' down the street, and making it one big ol' street party. Limited number of bombers for sale ($15 each; limit 2 per person; cash only). Food trucks on site. Expect a large turnout of those going to the dark side.
Volusia Beer Week
January 30-February 8
In and around DeLand FL
Formerly known as DeLand Craft Beer Week, this fest was renamed to include the growing brewery presence in and around Volusia County. And, there are some good ones here (yes, I do have personal experience). The week-long party gets started with a Kick-Off event at The Abbey on Friday, January 30, featuring special drafts and cellar releases, in addition to raffles and prizes. Some of the "premier" events during fest week include: An Evening with Dr. Pat McGovern, a bio-molecular Archaelogist known for his work on the Dogfish Head Ancient Ale Series; Brews and Bowties, a rare and vintage pairing event; and a Belgian-themed homebrew competition appropriately named the Mad Monk Mash-Up. The week concludes with the DeLand Craft Beer Festival on Saturday, February 7. Keep current on the events by taking a look at the website and the Facebook Event Page.
Florida Craft Brew and Wing Fest
Saturday, February 21
11:30am - 4:30pm
Royal Palm Pointe, Vero Beach FL
Oh, I had such a good time at this fest last year. This year is the "third" annual fest, and last year's broke the prior year attendance (actually "shattered" it, I think). Let me say this: there is a lot of beer at this fest. Lots of wings, and other tasty food items, too. The event includes water stations and picnic tables along the middle of the rows of tents, and some fun music stages. The Rotary members really get into the community service, and they were really excited to be guest pourers. The beers here flow from across Florida as well as many other areas. Also, some new up-and-coming breweries. Check out the website and Facebook page for more info.
Space Coast Craft Beer Festival
Saturday, February 21; 1-5pm (VIP)
Palm Bay FL
I love Florida's Space Coast! The area is home to some really awesome breweries (see my prior blog posts from 2014, aptly named "Episodes", as well as my recent post about Playalinda Brewing). Take a look at the fest website and/or Facebook page for the list of breweries expected to participate this year -- yeah, those are some mouth-watering brews right there. So, you can really make a weekend out of this one, check out the Space Center, go to one of the nearby beaches, visit some local breweries, and go to the beer fest! This one is a really easy drive along my favorite Hop Highway, I-95.
Saturday, February 28
1-6pm
Under the Fuller Warren Bridge, Jacksonville FL
Held at the site of the Riverside Arts Market, this venue provides a beautiful view of Jacksonville, right along the St. Johns River. There's plenty of room to wander around and sample the brews. Throw in some popular local bands ad food trucks, and you've got a recipe for one highly fun fest. Check out the Facebook page "Riverside Craft Beer Fest" for more info.
So, are you salivating at all this beer yet? Hey, by this time in the new year, it probably already feels like the year isn't "new," that the Holidays never happened, and you need a break from work! Isn't a beerfest just the thing to keep you going for the rest of the year?
What are you waiting for? Get those itineraries moving!
See you soon at a Florida beerfest near you!